- Many people say that Vietnam wasted unnecessary effort to defeat Japan, because the team already had a ticket to the round of 16. What do you think about this?

- As far as I know, some newspapers and experts have commented on the Japan match, a match in which we tried our best to win. So today I will explain to those who do not understand it correctly.

I understand that some experts, those who are in the third position, have the right to criticize. After defeating Pakistan and Nepal, we have enough points to qualify for the round of 16. Before the match with Japan, I thought a lot. In Group E, Malaysia beat Korea, so we will definitely top the group. As for us, if we top the group, we still don't know who our opponent is. Some people criticize us for wasting too much energy for nothing. But you need to know, every match requires energy. After the match with Japan, we have three days off, enough time to recover. Therefore, I think we have no problem with our energy.

Up to now, at the national team level, Vietnam has never defeated Japan. Therefore, this is an opportunity for us to break the curse against this opponent. And the result, as everyone knows, is the first time Vietnam has defeated Japan in an official tournament, thereby breaking what people still call the "fear" in football.

Coach Park Hang-seo directed his players fiercely in the victory over Japan on August 19. Photo:German Dong.

There are many opinions asking why not put all the players who have little chance to play on the field. For me, all 20 players are important, we cannot replace all of them. If we make too many changes, it will easily lead to a crushing defeat, then who will be responsible? I never want Vietnamese fans to witness this scene.

As for Hung Dung's injury, that is a pity. He is very important. Hung Dung's inability to continue playing causes us a tactical loss. But injuries are unpredictable. How can we know in advance who will be injured. As for Quang Hai, he is fine. He trained normally today.

- How are you preparing for the match against Bahrain in the round of 16?

- We will only know who our opponents are after the final match of the group stage on the evening of August 20. I watched the match between Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan, and tomorrow I will watch the match between them and Malaysia again. In my opinion, Bahrain has many attacking players and they also like to play offensively. Bahrain's concentration is very good, pressing fiercely. Overall, Bahrain's counterattacks are also sharp. Some of their players are skilled. Of course, no team is perfect. The coaching staff is studying, and will build a plan to deal with it.

- Vietnam defeated Bahrain in the group stage of Asiad 2010. What do you think about this?

- At the national team level, Vietnam has met Bahrain four times, winning three and losing one. However, those are just numbers and do not have much influence on the upcoming match.

- Vietnam won all three group stage matches, but is there anything you are not satisfied with about the team?

- We played well, but as I said, no team is perfect. However, I just want to mention the defense. They played well, much better than the opening match. Duy Manh, Dinh Trong and Tien Dung are all key players for Vietnam, playing together since the U23 Asia tournament. The first match was a bit shaky but the next two matches improved and now they are very good. I would like to not talk about the unsatisfactory points to avoid revealing my cards.

- Today the team practiced at Bung Karno secondary field which was quite empty and had the possibility of revealing their cards. What do you think about this?

- It's true that the space here is open, and you can show your cards. But by this round, both sides have analyzed each other very carefully. Vietnam and Bahrain have played many matches. They and we know quite well how each other plays. There's nothing to worry about in some of the landscapes here.

The victory over Japan contributed to the international media's assessment of Vietnam as a candidate for the 2018 Asian Games gold medal. Photo:German Dong.

- How will you adjust your squad for the upcoming match against Bahrain?

- We need to analyze the opponent, then come up with the right strategy, and use the right people. The players who have played a lot in the past will still play. But, there will probably be some changes, depending on the tactical requirements.

- Bahrain brought to the tournament a young team, from 19 to 21 years old. Many people think that Vietnam will have a greater chance of winning because it uses the core of U23 players and 3 older players. What do you think?

- Bahrain brought here mostly players born since 1997. But now, 21 years old is no longer considered young. The only difference is experience or not.

- What percentage do you think Vietnam has to win against Bahrain?

- As a coach, no one prepares to lose. Of course, the result is something no one knows in advance, but we always prepare for victory. The problem is how the coach must prepare for the variables. For example, if he scores first, what should he do next? If he loses first, how should he recover?

- Do you have any wishes before the match with Bahrain?

- I just wish there weren't any more injuries. I want to have the best squad for the matches.